HARVESTING FUNCTIONS

Optional shredder topper — cuts and shreds the tops into 100-mm pieces
- Designed to supply more fragmented material and spread more evenly on the ground
- Best option for locations where cultivation is required for trash blanketing.

Cleaning

The 8000 Series Austoft® Cane Harvester cleaning system uses the Anti-Vortex System, designed and developed by Case IH. This system is the most modern and efficient cleaning system, it reduces extraneous matter and cane loss and dramatically improves the load density for transport, which lowers operating costs.

Load density is increased by 18% for in-field transport and 14% for on-highway transport

Higher-density cargo means lower transportation costs and a potential increase in the area of cane supplied to the mill

Extractors

The primary extractor uses the anti-vortex system to clean the cane billets:
- Removes leaves and other matter

The secondary extractor is a hydraulically driven fan mounted inside the plastic directional hood at the end of the elevator:
- Cleans the billets a second time
- Removes remaining dirt
Ensures the cleanest sample

Elevator system
The strong, reliable elevator system conveys the billets via a chain and flights to the secondary extractor:

Consists of a slew table, slew system, bowl and chain conveyor

The bin flap directs the cane billet discharge flow into the cart or bin.

Auto Tracker option

The optional Auto Tracker automatic basecutter height system uses sensors and the hydraulic suspension system to automatically raises or lowers itself to improve yield. This easy to use system allows you to concentrate on other harvest functions, is available for all Case IH 8000 Series Austoft® cane harvesters, and can be retrofitted for models manufactured since 1999.

Stool protection
The Auto Tracker preserves next year’s crop by cutting near the ground without damaging or pulling out stools:

Reduces the number of stools pulled out by the basecutter by 27.2%

Reduces basecutter stool disturbance by 28.3%

Reduces the number of stools pulled out by the basecutter at the ends of the row by 62.9%

These results show that the automatic basecutter operation is better or at least equal to operation performed by an experienced employee running the harvester manually.

Calibration
After the Auto Tracker system is calibrated, there’s no need to worry about constant cutting height adjustment:

Height is automatically adjusted through pressure and exclusive height sensors to an ideal cutting height

The operator uses the manual system for about the first 10 meters of harvest

Data accrues in the manual module

Auto Tracker saves that information and determines the most adequate hydraulic pressure and cut height averages for that area.

Additional auto tracking features

Pressure/cut height can be easily adjusted, if necessary, when harvesting lodged cane with the simple touch of the adjustment key

The automatic turn lift feature is activated when you slow the engine:
- System automatically lifts the harvester to allow turning
- Harvester returns to cutting position when the throttle position is raised again

The electronic display features just four simple keys
- Large numbers and backlighting make night viewing easier

The choke alarm advises you when the system is overloaded
- Prevents choke stops.

Modern hydraulic system features
The hydraulic systems of all A8000 and A8800 cane harvesters feature:

Streamlined critical hose routing and assembly

Relief cutouts made in the main frame to reduce hose failures due to chafing

A quick-connect port added to the hydraulic oil tank to simplify the fill process.

Additional hydraulic system features
Other hydraulic system features include:

A manifold valve design that works more efficiently than traditional, separate spool valves
- Reduces the number of hoses, valves, “Y” blocks and fittings
- Makes the hydraulic system easier to service